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                          NADDA in Chicago

On the weekend of April 28-29, 2007, the National Antique Doll Dealers Association returned to Chicago with the annual Spring show. The much anticipated show was attended by dealers and collectors from across the continent and from as far away as the UK. The fact that the crowd arrived at the opening and stayed until the end of the day attests to the quality and quantity of dolls offered by the approximately 30 NADDA dealers. The crowd was up considerably over the same weekend two years ago and sales were brisk.

For a collector, the set up of the NADDA show is spectacular. Stepping off the elevator, you find yourself on a miniature street of 30 doll shops. Each dealer is in their room, relaxed and ready to visit, show their merchandise and share information. Since the dealers work together, you can ask them to direct you if you are looking for something specific. When you find yourself on sensory overload, you can take a break to relax in the hospitality room with a cup of tea and a snack and enjoy the special study exhibit. If there is a heaven for doll collectors, surely this must be it!

At the 2007 show, the NADDA dealers proved how hard they had been working through the winter to find prime examples of every type of antique and vintage doll, from the early wooden dolls of the 18^th Century to the mint examples of Ginny and Toni from the 1950s. Collectors find it reassuring to know that NADDA dealers mark their merchandise revealing any flaw, repair or damage on an item. They abide by a strict code of ethics and guarantee their merchandise to be as described. Whether you were at the show to buy or strictly to study, the weekend was a perfect opportunity to meet dealers and other collectors and to establish the all-important network. There is something reassuring about buying from a dealer you have met in person. Seeing their booth full of merchandise gives you a good idea of the quality of merchandise the dealer demands and offers for sale, so you have a better basis for communication in the future.


Gigi Williams Giaconne, daughter Sherry and family worked together to make the NADDA show a success for collectors and dealers. Gigi had thought of every detail to make dealers and guests welcome and to help them enjoy the weekend from the moment they arrived. Only after the show began did dealers discover that Gigi was commuting to the hospital where her husband lay gravely ill. Sadly he lost his battle a day later, when we had all left for home. We owe you a great debt of gratitude Gigi, for your generosity, hospitality and devotion to our organization. Our sincere sympathy is extended to you and your family.

 
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